Jewish councilwoman in Oakland targeted with swastikas

January 21, 2014 9:16am

(JTA) — Fliers hung in the Oakland, Calif., neighborhood of a Jewish city councilwoman show a swastika drawn on her forehead.

The fliers hung throughout the Montclair district represented by Libby Schaaf read “Stop Schaaf. Stop the DAC” (domain awareness center) — a reference to a city plan to build a combined surveillance center for police and firefighters.

Schaaf, who reportedly plans to run for mayor in November, told the Bay Area News Group that she was surprised to be targeted over the issue. She has been critical of building the center, though she has voted to proceed with the project along with a majority of council members.

“As a person of Jewish heritage I found this particularly hurtful. As an Oaklander I found it shameful,” said Schaaf, according to reports.

Police are investigating the incident, which was first reported Sunday. It is not known if it is being investigated as a hate crime.

By midday Sunday, most of the posters were torn down or had the swastikas covered with black marker.

Last year, similar posters with swastikas targeted a Latino councilwoman.